Battle begins over proposed data center in Plymouth Township

A proposed 2-million-square-foot hyperscale data center by developer Brian O’Neill’s MLP Ventures is facing strong opposition from residents in Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania. The project, which seeks a zoning exemption to convert the former Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill at 900 Conshohocken Road into a data center, is less than a mile from downtown Conshohocken and directly across from homes in the Connaughtown neighborhood.

The first of several zoning board meetings took place last week, drawing heavy community turnout. Local activists, including former municipal chair Ardis Lukens, organized demonstrations and encouraged residents to voice concerns regarding health and well-being, as well as air, noise, water, and light pollution. Neighbors fear a cumulative pollution effect from this and five other proposed data center sites by O'Neill in neighboring Upper Merion Township, some across the Schuylkill River. Concerns also extend to the proximity of 'The Proving Grounds,' a multi-sport athletic center.

During the meeting, 16 of 17 applications for 'status' (allowing participation in proceedings) from community members were approved. Legal consultant Nick Liermann, whose status was approved, expressed frustration with the process, noting the power imbalance between residents and the developer, and the board's decision not to require advance notice of expert testimony. This led to a strong negative reaction from the crowd, who chanted 'shame, shame, shame.' Residents also highlighted the absence of a planning meeting typically held before zoning board sessions.

Community members remain committed to a long fight against the project, with additional meetings scheduled for July 28 and 30. One anonymous contractor working at a nearby data center supported the opposition, confirming real pollution concerns and minimal employment benefits.